second and third order effects

so the big wigs in charge of me like to talk a lot about 'second and third order effects'. it refers to the (often unanticipated) obscure results of a course of action. i've got a great example for you. queue story time:

a lot was happening in our area the base commander didn't like. so they decided to be extra cautious and not allow any locals on. well, it worked great for keeping us physically safe; first order effect was a smashing success. but wait! those people did a lot of useful stuff on base. things like digging ditches, constructing shiny new mortar proof buildings, running a to-go dining facility, and our laundry. that's right, our laundry. second and third order effects: FAIL!!

i'm not sure about some of you, but i happen to like clean clothes. it's right up there with showering (something i wish my soldiers enjoyed as much as i do). i'm glad that mess only lasted a little over half a week, cause i was about to have to start recycling my dirty cloths. i know from experience that wearing dirty cloths is not fun.

so there's my story for the day, and the lesson. try to consider all the angles before you make a decision.

moving on...i got the package susie (aunt type) sent today. i love the miniature dominoes and playing cards. they're cute and portable. wait a minute, i'm not supposed to like cute stuff; being a tough soldier: fail. but seriously, i like them. and how did you know i like the curiously addicting mints (altoids)?

anyway, the blog seems to be a huge success. people are actually reading it; thus proving i'm not a narcissist. i was kinda worried for a while there, but it worked out. i'll try to come up with interesting stuff to write every few days.

one more night on a dark fob (the moon's waning)...one more night feeling strangely happy...one more night writing smart ass comments in my blog...